Toto Wolff: "Nothing is clear cut"

  • Published on 25 Aug 2016 07:22
  • comments 0
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Team Principal of Mercedes Toto Wolff doesn't expect Mercedes' dominance in Formula One to continue much longer but is determined to see Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg finish the season as the main title challengers.

The Austrian has overseen two and a half years of intense rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg but expects that soon enough they will have other problems to worry about.

“We return from the summer break with fresh energy for the next phase of the season - and we will need all of that energy, as time and again we're reminded that nothing is clear cut,” Wolff said. “We were expecting Hungary to be tough, with Hockenheim playing more to our strengths. That wasn't the case. "

“It's an unusual situation to be winning for so long, so you can't expect it to last - especially against opposition with such passion and resource as those around us.” 

Fans are hoping that the new regulations will see other teams challenge Mercedes in 2017. The last big aerodynamic overhaul was for the 2009 season which saw Honda Racing (re-named Brawn GP for 2009) jump from ninth in the constructers standings in 2008 to first in 2009, and Red Bull from seventh to second.

While no-one is expecting such big jumps this time around, Ferrari and Red Bull are the main teams who possess the biggest opportunity to take back the constructers title next season.

Wolff also spoke about Hamilton and Rosberg's title chase, saying he is looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.

“We will continue to fight hard. For the drivers, it's the same story,” he said. “There are more than 200 points to be won in their title battle and a lot of racing to be done yet. Lewis is on an impressive run, just like Nico had at the end of last season and into this one. The advantage constantly swings, so it will be exciting to see how their battle pans out.” 
 

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Mercedes
  • Points 3,164
  • Podiums 127
  • Grand Prix 188
  • Country GB
  • Date of b. Jan 7 1985 (39)
  • Place of b. Tewin, GB
  • Weight 68 kg
  • Length 1.74 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar